Abstract: An anthropomorphic dummy head system is provided for measuring forces and moments applied to the back of the head and neck. The system includes a dummy head representing at least a portion of a human head and a force measuring device connected with the dummy head. The system also includes a skull cap attached to the force measuring device. The skull cap, representing a rear portion of a human head, may be free from direct attachment to the dummy head. The skull cap may further include a lower extension or nape extension configured to represent the back of a human neck.

Abstract: A dual friction clutch assembly for a multiple-ratio transmission comprises separate friction disks of the assembly separately connected to each of two torque input shafts for the transmission. Two torque flow paths for the torque input shafts are defined in part by pre-engaged transmission clutches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor-driven power steering apparatus structured such as to apply a steering assist force generated by a motor to a steering system of a motor vehicle or a vehicle in accordance with a rotation force of an electric motor on the basis of a steering torque detected by a torque sensor. Further, the invention relates to a rotation angle sensor for detecting a rotation angle of a steering shaft, a detected portion of the rotation angle sensor is provided within the speed reduction gear, and a detecting portion of the rotation angle sensor is provided in a radial direction of the steering shaft and in an outer side of a bearing in the speed reduction gear.

Abstract: A compact four degrees of freedom parallel mechanism suitable for use as a hand control or wrist is provided that has backdrivability, is singularity free and has a large workspace and a large force reflecting capability. The structure is light but rigid, and the electric actuators are all placed on the ground or base and provide independent control of each degree of freedom. Each degree of freedom is connected to an actuator either directly or through a cable drive system. The first two degrees of freedom are created by two identical pantographs pivoted together on pivoted joints to define a hemispherical motion of an object (end point) about a center point (hemisphere center). The third and fourth degrees of freedom represent rotation and sliding motions of the object around and along the radius of the created hemisphere, respectively. The axes of these latter degrees of freedom are concentric, and these axes intersect with the axis of the pantographs pivoted joints at the hemispheric center.

Abstract: An apparatus and accompanying method are disclosed for a handgrip based gear-shifting mechanism used to manipulate the front and rear derailleur cables on a vehicle having a multi-sprocket gear system. The gear-shifter comprises a substantially hollow handgrip member that has first and second cam guide paths in the bore of its substantially cylindrical surface. First and second cam followers, preferably located inside the bore of the handgrip member, engage the first and second cam guide paths respectively. The first and second cam followers are coupled to the front and rear derailleur cables, such that a single rotation of the handgrip simultaneously adjusts the positions of the first and second cam followers and the front and rear derailleur cables.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two rotatable, coaxial shaft members contains a clutch between the two shaft members and engageable to counteract rotational speed differential between the shaft members by a hydraulic piston under the control of an electrically controlled throttle or pressure valve, and a clutch pump for supplying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston, the clutch pump being driven by either one or both of the shaft members. The hydraulic piston, the valve, and the clutch pump are connected in a hydraulic system also containing a feeder pump for maintaining a certain base pressure in the system. The hydraulic system conditionally allows flow from the feeder pump past the valve to the hydraulic piston irrespective of the flow from the clutch pump.

Abstract: The device performs the function of opening and/or closing lids attached to containers, and more particularly child-proof lids in at least some embodiments. The device preferably includes a base, a post, an arm, a mechanism that converts straight movement to rotation movement, and a plate to engage the lid of a container. The conversion mechanism in at least some embodiments includes a spring.

Abstract: A hand tool (1) for removing a stopper from a pressurized vessel (eg a bottle of sparkling wine) of a type where the stopper is retained by a wire cage, the wire cage including a wire band at or adjacent a neck ring on the vessel, the wire band being secured by a twisted portion terminating in a wire eye, the tool (1) including: a pair of elongate members (20a, 20b) pivotally connected together, each member having a handle portion (21) and a jaw portion (22); a stopper-gripping portion comprising a tooth (27) on an inner side of each jaw portion (22), the stopper-gripping portions (27, 27), in use, gripping the stopper therebetween and cooperating to permit relative pivoting movement between the members (20a, 20b) and the stopper substantially about a fulcrum axis defined by and extending between the two stopper-gripping portions (27,27), and a protrusion (24) at or adjacent at least one of the member (20a, 20b) and adapted to be received in the wire eye when the stopper-gripping portions (27, 27) are engaged

Abstract: Power tong jaws comprising one or more dies which are rotatable.

Abstract: A wrench assembly a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral wall extending between and attached to the top and bottom walls. The top wall has an opening extending therethrough and through the bottom wall. A first gear wheel is positioned in the housing and has an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is aligned with the opening. The aperture has a hexagonal shape. A second gear wheel is positioned in the housing and is in communication with the first gear wheel so that rotation of the second gear wheel causes rotation of the first gear wheel. A shaft has a first end attached to the second gear wheel. A fastener may be extended through the opening in the bottom wall and into the aperture so that aperture engages the fastener and is rotated by the first gear wheel when the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle having a connection end which includes a receiving recess defined axially therein. A function head has an insertion which is removably inserted into the receiving recess and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the connection end. A positioning device is located between the insertion and an inner periphery of the receiving recess to prevent the function head from dropping from the receiving recess axially. The function heads can be easily replaceable as needed.

Abstract: A wrench includes a handle with a first driving portion extending from one side of a first end of the handle and a pivotable section has one end thereof pivotably connected to a second end of the handle. A second driving portion extends from one side of the other end of the pivotable section. The first and second driving portions are able to engage with an object and the first driving portion can output a larger torque to loose or tight the object, and the second driving portion is used to output a smaller torque. The pivotable section is rotatable about a pivot for connecting the pivot section to the handle so that the user may hold the handle and rotate the pivot section continuously to remove the object from the hole where the object is engaged therewith.

Abstract: A magnetic device for attracting and retaining a fastener which has a bit, a generally ring-shaped keeper having a bottom surface, at least some portion of which bottom surface is magnetized, at least one pair of magnets, each pair of magnets having two magnets with alternating poles, adjacent to the magnetic bottom surface of the keeper and arranged around the bit such that an even number of magnets with alternating poles is arranged around the bit, and a non-magnetic holder that secures the keeper and the magnets and surrounds the bit. The magnets provide magnetic flux to the keeper and the fastener. Each pair of adjacent magnets provides a closed magnetic flux path through a first magnet of the pair, the keeper, a second magnet of the pair, and the fastener. The location of the magnetic device along the bit may be adjustable or fixed.

Abstract: Cutting saw with a workpiece supporting surface, a holder mounted on the carrier, a saw assembly, having a motor and saw blade, being pivotably attached to the holder above the carrier, and a dust catching device mounted on the saw assembly. The saw assembly can pivot around a transverse axis out of a raised rest position into a lowered sawing position. The dust catching device has at least one dust outlet opening on a dust outlet side and has at least one dust inlet opening which faces a dust-throwing side of the saw blade on a dust inlet side. It is proposed that the dust catching device be made of a flexurally stiff material on at least the dust inlet side and that at least a part of the dust catching device is movable at least on the dust inlet side.

Abstract: A shear assembly for a roll forming machine which forms a rain gutter. A pair of coplanar blade members separated along a vertical line are caused to first move vertically downwardly, then have their lower ends pivot outwardly and, finally, have their upper ends pivot outwardly. The last motion is accomplished with enhanced mechanical advantage to cut through multiple layers of metal at the upper end of the gutter.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting plastic profiles includes a knife which is guided transversally to the profile, the knife including a cutting section and a holding section, the cutting section defining a guide portion, a transition portion, and a blade portion defining a tip. The guide portion defines opposite external surfaces which are generally flat and parallel, and it has a thickness greater than a thickness of the holding section. The transition portion defines opposite external surfaces which curve from the blade portion to tangentially merge with the opposite external surfaces of the guide portion.

Abstract: A punch change retainer for positioning a floating punch in a retracted, disengage position and an extended, engage position. The change retainer includes a change retainer body and a punch retainer receiving aperture extending upwardly through the change retainer body from a bottom surface thereof. A gagging member is located in the change retainer body and is actuable by an actuator between a retracted position distal from a nose portion of the change retainer body and an extended position adjacent the nose portion of the change retainer body. A floating punch retainer is receivable within the punch retainer receiving aperture, and includes an upper end positioned for engagement with the gagging member. A punch receiving hole is defined in the floating punch retainer; where the punch receiving hole is adapted to be rotatably positioned about a longitudinal center line of the floating punch retainer within the punch retainer receiving aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying the volatility of propellant and primers associated with small arms ammunition which become inadvertently commingled with a supply of spent casings prior to material deformation and reclamation. The apparatus preferably includes three major sections or components and they are: a material infeed section, a heating section, and a material extraction section. The preferred infeed section includes a hopper placed in conjunction with an incline conveyor and a distally positioned dump chute. The heating section has a material receptacle in the form of a material receiving chute, a heater disposed adjacent to the interior of a longitudinal spirally internally veined rotating drum which communicates with the third section, which is a material extraction or expulsion section also in the form of an incline conveyor and a chute.

Abstract: A container for receiving an explosive element and containing fragments projected by an explosion thereof, the container comprising a seamless enclosure made of walls defining a first open end and a first closed end. The seamless enclosure are collapsible and the walls are formed by a plurality of independent interleaved plies of material, the material and number of plies are selected to contain fragments projected by the explosion. The container also comprises an outer casing having a plurality of first and second panels defining a second enclosure for snugly receiving the seamless enclosure, the first and second panels being rigid, the first panels being hingedly connected to the second panels such that the first panels are movable between a first deployed configuration, where the first panels define a second open end corresponding to the first open end, to a second folded configuration, where the first panels at least partially close the second open end, thereby reducing a height of the outer casing.

Abstract: In a guide system with a pneumatic stop structure comprising a cylinder with a piston including a piston seal element movably disposed in the cylinder and a piston rod connected to the piston and extending from the cylinder wherein a displacement chamber is formed at one side of the piston, the cylinder has a cross-section which steadily increases toward the end of the displacement chamber and the piston seal element which, in the area of the smallest cylinder cross-section is in sealing engagement with the cylinder wall is out of sealing contact with the cylinder wall at the opposite end of the cylinder where the cylinder has an increased diameter.

Abstract: A hydraulic system having a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid actuator with a first chamber and a second chamber. The hydraulic system also has a first valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the first chamber and a second valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the second chamber. The hydraulic system also has a supply passageway and a signal passageway each disposed between the first and second valves in parallel. The hydraulic system also has a proportional pressure compensating valve configured to control a pressure of a fluid directed between the source and the first and second valves. The hydraulic system further has a fluid passageway disposed between the supply and signal passageways to fluidly communicate the supply and signal passageways.

Abstract: Fluid-dynamic circuit for supplying primary and auxiliary uses with preset priorities comprises a pressurised fluid source, at least one first use with primary priority, at least one second use with secondary priority, at least one third use with low priority; said first use is directly connected to said source by a relative first pipe and said second use and third use are connectable to said source with respective second and third pipes by interposing a valve equipped with an internal distributor member to control said second and third pipes and movable according to at least three connection configurations, in a first configuration said second use and third use being shut, in a second configuration said second use being open and said third use being shut, in a third configuration said second use being open and said being open.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for tensioning and sealing tightening straps of plastics for package tightenings, in which the superposed strap ends are received in a strap channel which is essentially open at a longitudinal outer side and the two faces. The strap channel has a strap edge guide at its longitudinal inner side for the inner edges of the tightening strap. A tensioning device is arranged in the front region of the device, and a sealing device is arranged in the rear region. So as to compensate for the forces acting outwardly on the upper strap end due to the irregular deformations of the upper strap end during the tensioning process by the tensioning roller of the tensioning device which is mounted in a floating manner, the strap edge guide is arranged obliquely to the tensioning direction of the tensioning roller and projects further into the strap channel in the vicinity of the strap sealing device than in the region of the tensioning device.

Abstract: A stamper with a sharp uneven pattern for manufacturing high precision information media and a method of manufacturing a stamper. The method includes (1) manufacturing a photoresist master by forming a light absorption layer and a photoresist layer on substrate, (2) forming a latent image on the photoresist layer, and an uneven pattern in the photoresist layer by developing the latent image, (3) forming a Ni thin film on the uneven pattern by electroless plating, (4) forming a Ni film on the Ni thin film, and (5) removing the Ni thin film and the Ni film from the photoresist master. The method also includes, prior to the step of forming the Ni thin film on the photoresist layer, a metal catalyst being provided on the surface of the uneven pattern, the metal catalyst being activated, and the surface of the uneven pattern being washed with ultra pure water.

Abstract: To control the cutting register of a web in a web-fed rotary press and to control the tension in a web section, in a manner decoupled from each another, at least one partial cutting register error is controlled at least one web tension is controlled. The press has controlled driven clamping points 0 to n, wherein j+q manipulated variables are used to influence j partial cutting register errors and q web tensions. Circumferential speeds and/or angular positions of clamping points are used as manipulated variables and the partial register error and the web tension in each case are located in the same or in different web sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method, based on laser technology, of initiating explosive charges (6, 10, 17, 30), and a device which is intended for initiating explosives and in accordance with said method functions according to entirely new principles. The basic idea underlying the invention is to ignite the explosive charge concerned not as previously proposed by means of the radiation emitted from a laser but by way of self-destruction or overheating of a laser source (2, 11, 18, 25, 33) assembled together with the explosive charge (6, 10, 17, 30). In this regard, the aim is to cause the laser source to melt down or explode and, in connection with this, to initiate the explosive. With the present invention, it has suddenly become possible to use even very small laser sources of the mini or micro type for triggering explosive charges where it was previously necessary to use very powerful laser sources for the same purpose.

Abstract: A lead-free, composite polymer based bullet and cartridge case and methods of manufacturing the same, wherein the composite polymer material includes a tungsten metal powder, nylon 6/6, nylon 6, short glass fibers, as well as additives and stabilizers. The cartridge case includes a lip lock configured to matingly engage a cannelure formed along an outer circumferential surface of the bullet. The cartridge case also includes resilient walls wherein the case may snap fit onto the bullet. The bullet and cartridge case may be formed in a single step process by injection molding or a two step process including injection molding and a welding process.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects such as vehicles, doors and windows are shown and described herein. The embodiments incorporate a track with lower rails having lower permanent magnets and the object with upper rails having upper permanent magnets aligned with the lower rails and oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower permanent magnets. Ferrous backing plates may be incorporated behind the lower rails and/or the upper rails. Embodiments may also incorporated a third rail of an electroconductive material, and a driving disc positioned near the third rail. Permanent magnets in the driving disc may be rotated with the driving disc in the presence of the third rail to accelerate the upper rails with respects to the lower rails. The driving disc may be coupled one of the lower rails to maintain a desired alignment with the third rail.

Abstract: The mobile holding apparatus has a support plate which has an upper side with a work surface and a lower side and is mounted height-adjustably on a stand. The stand is free-standing and the support plate has a guide with which it is guided on the stand. A gas spring arranged in the stand supports the upward movement of the support plate. Loading of the support plate is taken up by self-locking of the guide and in particular by canting of a profiled piece in a guide groove. The holding apparatus makes possible ergonomic positioning of a work aid, for example a laptop.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion of an arm having at least one sewing needle mounted thereon, a bed extending in parallel to and under the horizontal portion of the arm, two first rails extending parallel to the bed in the neighborhood of the side portion of the vertical portion, first carriages adapted to slide on the first rails, and a second rail connected to the first carriages and perpendicular to the first rails, wherein the distance between the two first rails is shorter or equal to the length of the second rail. The sewing machine includes a second carriage adapted to slide on the second rail, and an embroidery frame unit mounted on the second carriage, wherein the sewing machine is capable of embroidery without being limited by the distance between the rails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull is modified with chine mounted aerofoils, flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s). Tunnels are created on the V-bottom hull by the chine mounted aerofoils. Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern end of the tunnel to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) may also be provided. Adjustable cambered stern foils are mounted on the transom end of the tunnels.

Abstract: A mast for use on a submarine is disclosed. The shape of the mast includes a sharp leading edge. The leading edge widens to an angle greater than the maximum angle of angle of attack that the mast will experience during maneuvering. The shape produces a stagnation zone that minimizes flow separations at the bow wave and has a pressure coefficient that approaches zero such that wake signatures of the mast are reduced. The surface of the mast is roughened to be capable of producing a turbulent boundary layer of the mast further reducing wake signatures from the bow wake.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce formation of streaks from fluid running down a side surface of boat hull are disclosed. A disclosed method includes adhering a first portion of a flexible strip to the side surface of the hull, and employing a second portion of the flexible strip positioned at an obtuse angle to the first portion to deflect fluid running down the hull surface above the flexible strip away from the hull.

Abstract: The use of thermopolymeric switching medium in temperature monitoring devices in which thermopolymeric switching medium is used as a retaining materials and are based on polymeric compositions that can be designed and programmed to meet selective parameters in production and performance. The thermopolymeric switching mediums can be formulated in a pure state or can include additives, such as fillers or active materials to impact the characteristics of the thermopolymeric switching component.

Abstract: A utility car for maintenance of a livestock environment is comprised of a container compartment which is supported on wheels and displaceable over a floor surface by a motor drive operated by a conductor person. A front-end loading bucket is provided for loading feed/hay into the container compartment. The container compartment has a discharge trough and a conveyor feeds the feed/hay from the compartment into the discharge trough. The front end loading bucket has a pivotal rear gate in an upper end section of a rear wall thereof for guidingly discharging feed/hay from the loading bucket into an open top end of the front wall of the container compartment and closes the open top end when the loading bucket is at a discharge position.

Abstract: A regulating feeder for a horse, with a funnel shaped bottom, which may be attached to a feed delivery tube extending into the feed trough or toward a feeding surface. At the distal end of the feed delivery tube is at least one protrusion extending parallel to the axis of the feed delivery tube so that the lower end of the feed delivery tube may be positioned close to the feed trough and held away from the feed trough in the desired position. A stopper mechanism may be used to control the amount of feed that the animal may obtain.

Abstract: A Pet Dish and Disposable Liner. The dish is durable and washable, but the liner is made from low-cost material such that it can be disposable, if desired. The dish and liner are both aesthetically pleasing, particularly since they resemble a pet's face. The dish and liners are cooperatively designed so that the liner inserted into the dish will not inadvertently be forced out by the eating pet, nor will the liner be allowed to spin within the dish. The dish and liner are also configured so that a stack of liners can be held conveniently within a single dish.

Abstract: An aquarium water changing and stabilization system consists of an initial tank designed to stabilize and condition water before it is entered into a subsequent tank that contains live aquatic animals such as fish. This system has a cabinet that is designed to aesthetically enclose, protect and support the components of the aquarium while providing access to the system. Water is introduced into the system from existing hot and cold water plumbing which is connected to this system. Water exits from this system into existing sewerage plumbing which is also connected to this system. Conditioned water from the conditioning tank enters the main fish tank via plumbing from one tank to the other. In case too much water is introduced to either tank, overflow drains in both tanks prevent water from overflowing over the top of either tank. Plumbing check valves and ball valves create safe and easy plumbing.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: A console pet seat. The console pet seat comprises a central frame comprising sides and a bottom forming a bed section. A front strap forms a loop for securing to a vehicle console. A rear strap assembly comprises a primary strap with a first end and a second end. A first secondary strap is attached to the first end of the rear strap and a second secondary strap attached to the second end of the rear strap. A tether is attached to the primary strap between the first end and the second end and located in the bed section.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective pet leash has handle, central pet leash, and pet collar sections that reflect an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate illumination of the pet owner's hand, pet leash and the location of the pet during dusk or nighttime hours. This pet leash is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve that is coated with an abrasion resistant transparent polymeric coating. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereon. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective jewelry piece has a central cylindrical braided rope core surrounded by a cylindrical reflective braided sleeve comprising three or more narrow width reflective strips that are braided at a shallow cylindrical braid angle that reflect an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate omnidirectional illumination of the person wearing the reflective jewelry piece during dusk or nighttime hours. This reflective jewelry piece is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sown thereon. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for the cleaning and maintenance of coal fired boilers, which is designed to operate in the high temperature environment of the combustion gasses to effectively clean and remove slag deposits of the boiler heat transfer surfaces by use of a precision directed, low pressure, low flow rate water stream. The robotic cleaning apparatus is comprised of lightweight carbon fiber structural elements, attached to the exterior of the boiler, and cooled by annular pressurized water sheaths impingent on a thin metal skin covering the lightweight structural elements. Multiple articulated joints allow for complete access to the heat transfer surfaces of the boiler. A variety of payloads can be delivered to specific points within the boiler, including imaging systems, cutting, and welding apparatuses. A mathematical state space control matrix allows for optimal positioning and feedback control of motions.

Abstract: An injection lance for injecting a fluid over a predefined target area within a system includes a support block with an inlet side and an outlet side. A plurality of channels are disposed non-parallel with respect to each other within the support block and extend between the inlet and outlet sides of the support block so as to receive fluid at the inlet side and deliver fluid through the support block for injection from the outlet side of the support block over the target area. At least two channels extend from the inlet side toward the outlet side in a direction away from a central axis of the support block, where the central axis intersects the outlet side. The target area includes a plurality of consecutively aligned sectors, and the channels are oriented within the support block so that a central axis of a fluid stream injected from each channel over the target area is centered between longitudinal boundaries defined by a respective sector.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation is strategically used during a cycle of a cylinder. The method can reduce fuel consumption and power supply requirements, at least under some conditions.

Abstract: The present invention (with reference to FIG.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically actuating a gas exchange valve using a low-pressure, substantially constant flow fluid source applied to at least one actuator cylinder piston coupled to the gas exchange valve. The actuator piston slides within the actuator cylinder upon application of pressure from the fluid for actuating the gas exchange valve. The pressure is continuously variable and builds upon application to the cylinder piston until the valve unseats. A pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure to provide feedback about the operation of system and to provide variable motion control of the gas exchange valve.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio internal combustion engine and method of operating the same is provided. The engine comprises an engine block defining at least one cylinder; a head connected with the engine block; a piston slidable in each cylinder; a combustion chamber defined by the head, the piston, and the cylinder; an air intake valve movable to open and close the air intake port; an air supply system including two turbochargers in series fluidly connected to the air intake port; a fuel supply system operable to inject fuel into the combustion chamber; an air intake valve assembly comprising a camshaft configured to open the intake valve; and a hydraulically actuated variable intake valve closing mechanism configured to hold the intake valve open.

Abstract: #7 cylinder shares an exhaust manifold with #1 cylinder and is fired a predetermined firing interval after #1 cylinder. An exhaust cam shaft has a first cam for driving the exhaust cams of #1 cylinder and a second cam for driving the exhaust cams of #7 cylinder. A valve overlap period of #1 cylinder during its shift from an exhaust stroke to an intake stroke overlaps a time period during which the exhaust valves of the second cylinder are open in #7 cylinder while it is shifting from a power stroke to an exhaust stroke. The nose of the second cam is located farther in a retard direction than a position that is away in the retard direction from the nose of the first cam by an angle corresponding to the predetermined firing interval between the first and second cylinders.